Greetings from the 2^nd Grade Team at Chinook

Ms. Hadley, Mrs. Korlann, and Mr. Signal

As we enter the third and final trimester of the 2007-20078 school year, there is still so much learning to accomplish!  The second graders at Chinook are working very hard in all areas of the curriculum.  We’d like to highlight some of these for you.

Reading:

In reading, we continue to focus on developing the children’s reading skills and concepts by using a variety of programs with strategies that address individual student needs.  Through whole group instruction, guided reading groups, and the integration of reading/writing activities we work on phonics/word attack skills (sounding out words), vocabulary, comprehension strategies (the ability to understand what is read), and fluency and phrasing in oral reading.  You can help your child by reading aloud with him/her daily and discussing what you have read.

In the fall, we administered the district mandated DIBELs reading test and those results were shared with you at the November conferences.  This trimester, we will be administering the final DIBELs test for second grade as one means of measuring the growth the children have made.  After testing, we will use the data to help determine what assistance your child needs to further his/her progress. 

Math:

Our Everyday Math curriculum, which has lessons based on the principle of exposure and repeated practice with concepts, continues to provide the foundation for the mathematics instruction in our classrooms.  This program includes “hands-on” lessons which involve the use of calculators, games, and manipulatives.  Mastering the basic math facts in addition and subtraction to and from 18 is a major goal in second grade.  We have been and will continue to work on both addition and subtraction facts throughout the remainder of the school year.  You can check your child’s progress by watching for his/her timed tests that are sent home and help provide your child with extra practice if necessary.  Also, this trimester we are working on learning the processes of regrouping in addition and subtraction.  Regrouping is a very important concept to master and providing your child with extra practice at home will help reinforce this new learning.

Suggestions for summer:

As our summer break is rapidly approaching, we’d like to provide some suggestions as to how you could help your child with reading and math throughout the vacation.

~Set a good example by letting your child see you read.

~Show enthusiasm for your child’s reading.

~Set aside time to read and share ideas together.

~Give books for special occasions or as rewards.

~Visit the library as often as possible.  Check into the many   

  opportunities that are offered for children throughout the  

  summer.

~Limit the amount of time your child watches television

  and/or plays video games.

~Play games with your child.  If it is a game that requires a

  score, have your child be the scorekeeper.

~Practice the basic math facts to and from 18.

~Have your child select a recipe and work with him/her to

  prepare it.

~Request the help of your child when grocery shopping.  Have

  him/her locate, read, sort, and compare labels.

~Encourage your child to have a hobby.

~Make a mailbox with your child.  Then deliver notes and

  letters from your family.

~While traveling, have your child look at a map and/or read

  road signs.

~Play thinking games like 20 questions in the car.

The above information offers a brief highlight of the many things we do in second grade.  If you have any questions about our curriculum, please feel free to contact any of us at 253-931-4980.